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How to prevent eye flu
Eye flu is spreading fast. It is more common during the monsoon than during the rest of the year. Also known by its descriptive name “pink eye,” it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid. The symptoms are redness in the white of the eyes, red and swollen eyelids, lots of tears and sensitivity to light. There may be a discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together during sleep. In the early stages, your eyes may burn or itch and you may feel as if there is something in them. The eyes may be glued shut when you wake up in the morning. Most of the cases of simple conjunctivitis last from five to seven days.
The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic and bacterial. The viral type is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold or a sore throat. The allergic type occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions. When related to allergies, the symptoms are often seasonal. Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances such as cosmetics, perfume or drugs. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. The severity of the infection depends on the type of bacteria involved. Viruses and bacteria may be rubbed into the eye or may travel from an infection in the nose up through a tear duct and into the eye. The infection can be transmitted from one person to another.
Prevention and remedies
- Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes.
- Do not share towels, handkerchiefs or clothes with an infected person.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after treating “pink eyes.”
- Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters with a diluted bleach solution.
- Do not swim (some bacteria can be spread in the water).
- Avoid touching the face and shaking hands.
- Avoid exposure to known eye irritants, such as dust fumes, sprays, cigarette, smoke and pollution.
- If a chemical or object gets into your eye, immediately flush it with water.
- Be sure the dropper is clean and does not touch the eye, eyelid or any surface. Eye drops are washed out by a normal process, so they will need to be replaced at least three times a day.
- During these days, everybody should use rose water (one drop) morning and evening.
- Eat plenty of green and yellow vegetables and fruits, which are high in fibre and rich in vitamins A and C.
- Those using contact lenses should avoid them when having conjunctivitis as it could aggravate the problem.
- The best way to avoid spreading conjunctivitis to the other eye is to use the prescribed antibiotic drops in the non-affected eye, too.
- If your symptoms do not respond to these measures within four or five days, consult your doctor.
— Dr Anil Deer 
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